A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governorship candidate in Zamfara State, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja on Friday, August 15, 2025.
Shinkafi narrated that the attack occurred shortly after Juma’at prayers while on his way home.
According to his account, masked assailants dressed in black and heavily armed, blocked his vehicle and attacked before fleeing the scene in a black, unmarked Prado Jeep.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, particularly over the rising threats faced by vocal public figures.
In a strongly worded statement released by a group, the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, Dr. Shinkafi attributed the attempt on his life to his “bold and patriotic” stance on critical national issues, especially the lingering insecurity in Zamfara State.
“This was an unprovoked attempt on my life,” he said. “But I will not be deterred by intimidation or harassment in the quest for national security, peace, unity, and social development.”
Shinkafi who is a security expert revealed that earlier in the week, his Abuja residence received several threatening calls from unknown numbers which he believes were connected to the attack.
He appealed to the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently investigate the incident, identify the perpetrators and their sponsors, and bring them to justice.
He described the attack as a violation of his fundamental human rights, as enshrined in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including the right to life and freedom of expression.
Shinkafi has been an outspoken critic of banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State.
Notably, he has advised families of kidnapped victims not to pay ransom, arguing that it funds the acquisition of more sophisticated weapons by bandits.
He believes this position may have incensed criminal elements, including the wanted bandit kingpin, Turji Bello, who recently threatened his life in a viral video.
“I have consistently called for stronger military operations in the North-West and across Nigeria. These efforts are not only critical for national security but also key to sustaining democratic governance and boosting the re-election prospects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
